The Turks and Caicos Islands are only 37 miles long, and all together consist of 40 islands and cays. There are two main islands, Grand Turk (Turk Island) and Providenciales (Caicos Island). These islands are on 550 miles South from Flordia. Turks and Caicos is technically located in the Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean Sea. There are roughly 30,000 inhabitants on the island and they welcome about 20,000 tourists per year.

The currency used in the island is the US dollar and their spoken language is English. Daylight savings time is observes and they are in the Eastern Time Zone.

Cities

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Background

History

Before Christopher Columbus set foot on the island of Grand Turk during the journey to the new world in 1492, the island was inhibited by Taino and Lucayan Tribes. These earlier settlers left behind a rich heritage and new words (Canoe, Caribbean, Caicos). The early inhabitants also left behind the names of the island. The indigenous Turk's head catcus named Turks island, while Lucayan term “caya hico” meaning string of islands named Caicos.

For about 700 years, the Tanio and Lucayan Tribes were the sole residents on the islands (particularly settling on Grand Turk and the Middle Caicos). The people here were skilled gardeners, farmer and fisherman. However, upon arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Lucayan tribe disappeared causing the islands to be sparsely populated for about 30 years. During this time, the salt industry was booming. Many Bermudians would rake the beaches of Turks and Caicos and taken back to Bermuda. This salt was used for cooking and preserving food.

The French and Spanish captured the island for a brief time during 1706. Four years following this capture, it was reclaimed by the British (along with the rest of the Bermuda islands). However, during the years it primary became a haven for pirates and British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. In 1766, Turks and Caicos became a part of the Bahamas colony and was placed under the Bahamian Government. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. Finally in 1962, Jamaica won independence from Britain allowing Turks & Caicos then became a British Crown colony on its own and still is one today.

With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands are presently a British overseas territory.

Around the early 1980's, Turks and Caicos started to become a tourist destination. It is quickly becoming one the world's most premier beach destinations. It is also becoming on the leading international investment center for the offshore investor. Turks and Cacios today is a "zero tax" jurisdiction and doesn't have any taxes on income, capitol gains, corporate profits, inheritance or estates.

Climate

The Turks and Caicos Islands are arid compared with many other islands in the Caribbean.

During the summer months (June to November) the temperatures range from the high 80's and low 90's to the high 70's. Also in the summer, there is barely any humidity and the temperatures barely go above the mid-90's due to the continually circulating winds. The water is also averages at about 84°F.

In the winter (December to May) the weather is generally in the high 70's - mid 80's range. The water temperature during these months is around 75°F to 80°F.

The island gets less than 50 inches of rainfall a year. Most rainfall occurs during the hurricane months of summer. Sunshine and breezy cooling winds are the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Turks and Caicos Weather

Arriving and Departing

By Plane

American Airlines is a popular carrier which schedules flights from many US cities to Providenciales International Airport(PLS). During the winter months, American Airlines offers 3 daily flights from Miami and one daily from New York (JFK). Delta offers 6 flights a week from Atlanta (excluding Tuesday and offering 2 on Saturdays). US Airways also offers direct flights from Charlotte and weekend flights from Philadelphia and Boston. Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Montreal on Thursdays and Ottawa on Mondays British Airways offers flights to London. WestJet Airlines and Air Canada offer flights to Toronto.

Currently, Turks and Caicos has 2 international airport, which are both full service. Providenciales International Airport and Grand Turk. In North and South Caicos there are limited entry facilities, while all of the other islands have domestic airports. However, East and West Caicos are uninhabited and they do not have an airport.

Recently, Continental Airlines opened a new flight from Newark, NJ to Providenciales, and they are offering double mile reward when booking on flights from February 18 through May 31, 2011 (however, if you use this offer, you don't get the Elite Qualifying Miles for the flight).

By Sea

Many of the visitors who visit the island arrive by boat. This is because many cruise lines are now adding the island to their route. All cruise lines arrive at the terminal in Grand Turk.

If you choose to take a personal or smaller vessel, a number of facilities are available in Providenciales. However, you must call ahead before docking. Their are also marinas in Provo, where you can dock. On the South Side, Sappodilla Bay, is the anchorage location for sail boats.It is easy to sail to the Turks and Caicos from the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or Cuba; so long as you have an ocean-going vessel. A small boat will do well simply cruising around the island chain, but to cross the open ocean, something about 36 feet or larger is best.

If you are using a private vessel or sailboat, customs and immigrations must be cleared. When using a sailboat, customs have to be arranged in advanced, while South Caicos and Grand Turk have government buildings on location.

Getting around on the Island

Taxis are widely available at all airports and seaports as well as throughout the island. Many of the taxis drivers can also act as a personal tour guide and show you undiscovered island attractions.

Rental cars, motor scooters and jeeps are available in Providenciales and Grand Turk. There is a government tax for all hired cars ($15) and motor scooters ($5). Major rental companies include, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Rent a Buggy, National, and Tropical Auto Rental.

When in Salt Clay, you can rent a golf cart! North and Middle Caicos have their own rental companies you can use, as well as, Grand Turk. If interested Bicycles are almost always available at all locations. Remember, in Turks and Caicos, you are to drive on the LEFT side of the road.

Shopping

There is a collection of different things to do while on the island. You can shop at boutiques and visit museums and show rooms. There are also a few "touristy" shops, food stores, liquor shops, banks and pharmacies. Throughout all the islands there are a variety of local stores that have a collection of varying unique jewelry and hand-made gifts.

The Saltmills plaza and Regent Village in Grace Bay are generally considered to be the premier shopping plazas on the island of Provenciales (or Provo as it is often called). Turks and Caicos Shopping

Do

The islands have fabulous beaches throughout, in particular, the award winning Grace Bay. There also is a variety of fun, non-beach things that there are too do. You can scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, boating, parasailing, fishing, tours, spas and salons, golfing, shopping and gambling. Each island has their own activities as well. Below are a few activities that are available on the islands.

Provo Golf Club, [9]. An 18 Hole Championship Golf Course on Providenciales which holds an annual Amateur Tournament. It hosted the Caribbean Amateur Open in 1999, and is due to again in 2009.

Dive Provo, PO Box 413, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, ☎649-946-5040. Owned and operated by Alan and Clare Jardine, both SSI Platinum Pros, each with over 20 years experience in the dive industry, Dive Provo brings you tropical scuba diving at its best.

Provo Turtle Divers, ☎800-833-1341. oldest and most experienced dive operation in the Turks & Caicos Islands. For over 38 years we have explored the reefs and walls of these islands, discovering new dive sites and uncovering some of the most unusual underwater spectacles accessible to divers in the Turks & Caicos.

Snuba Turks and Caicos, The Windsong Resort, Stubbs Rd., Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands BWI, ☎649-241-7010, [2]. Has a great tour in store for you when you come to our island, Providenciales Turks and Caicos. There is no experience needed to take our tour. If you can breathe, look and kick your legs then you too can SNUBA.

Eat

There are a total of 81 restaurants on the islands. However, many of the restaurants are on the island of Providenciales. Not that many years ago, local island tables did not know what was going to be on the menu for dinner until the fishing boats brought in their catch of the day. Today the Turks and Caicos Islands feature fine and imaginative cuisine and world class chefs.

Accommodations

Beach view on Grand Turk Island

Ocean view on Providenciales

Throughout the island there are a variety of different places to stay. You can choose to be at an all-inclusive, a resort suite condo, or a private villa or inn. These hotels also offer wonderful dining experiences. Many of these hotels offer are corporate-business rates as well including internet access and fax services. At almost all hotels you can ask if there are any "packages" available such as, hotel and dive packages. There are a total of 143 accommodations throughout the islands. Below are a few of the accommodations that are offered through the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Point Grace, Grace Bay Road, ☎1-649-941-7743 ([email protected]), [3]. Point Grace is located on Grace Bay, part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, a protected marine reserve on the northern coast of the island Providenciales. Point Grace is a highly unique boutique hotel with 28 luxurious one, two-, three- and four bedroom suites and penthouses.

Sunset Point Oceanfront Villa, Providenciales, Turks and Caiocs, ☎661-290-2629, [5]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. Popular four bedroom vacation villa available for rental year-round. Features ocean views from every room, private pool, gated entry, game room. Located on the shores of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos in a quiet neighborhood of oceanfront estates. Rates start at $3600/week.

Work

Work permits are easily obtained for foreigners. However, many jobs are designed for "Belongers" only. Belongers are people that have TCI citizenship which is not easily obtained. Work permits are applied through agencies on the island and require proof of citizenship, proof of employment, proof of residence on the island, and are then ratified by passing an HIV test. This test is safely and cleanly performed at the local clinic for $100 USD. After a work permit has been issued, your employer may ask you to apply for "National Insurance".

Few work permits are issued for specific jobs. Example, as of 2007 only 5 work permits on the island were held for photographers. Typical cost for this profession was around $2500 USD, renewable every six months. There are discounts (through agencies) for one year permits. A work permit for a Clerk position is $500 for every six months, with the same discount structure.

It can take up to 6 months to actually have the work permit in hand, with enforcement being slack unless you are in direct competition with a Belonger.

Certain jobs on the island are deemed unfit for non-Belongers to apply for: banking, civil servants, and boat operators are specific jobs that fall under this rule.

Stay safe

Turks and Caicos have one of the lowest crime rates and highest crime-solved rates in the Caribbean. Any problems that occur should be reported to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police immediately. While the islands are extremely safe, make sure to exercise common sense. Don't leave valuables in plain view, and always lock your car when leaving it, and lock your dwelling (hotel) when you are not in it. By taking simple precautions it will prevent the loss of cash, jewelry and identification. Thieves target mopeds and motorcycles, so be sure that you lock yours up properly. Also, be aware that Islanders can be very aggressive drivers, so it is best to use caution when crossing or driving on the roads.

Stay healthy

Recently, a modern hospital system was built on the islands that is managed by InterHealth Canada. The facilities are located on Providenciales (Cheshire Hall Medical Centre) and Grand Turk (Cockburn Town Medical Centre). These health centers include emergency centers, dental care, dialysis, internal medicine, surgical, othopaedic, obstetric and endoscopic procedures, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. Currently the islands are working on getting in-home hospice care. There are also many community cares throughout the islands.

The Turks and Caicos have a few fresh water reserves at ground level. Therefore, most water comes from either wells or cisterns that have collected rainwater. Cistern water is almost always safe to drink, but unless well water is purified, it could be contaminated or have unpleasant taste. It is generally a good idea to use bottled water when possible, but tap water can be used if necessary. The beaches are very soft and warm and welcoming.

Respect

Islanders are very kind people and believe in practicing good manners and exercising respect. Greeting people with a friendly saying such as"Hello" and "Good Afternoon."

Shorts are to be worn in town and on the beach during the day. because it is so sunny, it is advised to wear sunglasses and sunhats. In the evening, specifically winter, you are advised to wear a light sweater or jacket. When eating, it is not formal but you are expected to dress nicely (men- polos and dress shorts, women- dresses or dress slacks).

Also, public nudity is illegal all throughout the island.

In recent years, there has been talk about a union with Canada. Many islanders are bitterly divided on the subject, and awkward situations can arise when the subject is brought up. It is best to avoid this subject unless you're with friends and family whom you know.